Community
At Nestlé USA, we feel strongly that education is the key to a brighter future and improving the quality of life for everyone. That’s why education, specifically children’s literacy, is a primary focus of Nestlé’s community affairs programs. In addition to financial support provided by Nestlé USA, we are proud of our employees’ involvement in these programs.
Learn more about Nestlé’s involvement in community programs throughout the world.
Adopt-A-School Program
The Nestlé Adopt-A-School program has been the cornerstone of our volunteer outreach for the past 19 years. This year, our program grew to nearly 60 adopted schools across the country. We continue to provide our employees with paid time off to spend with students in the classroom, acting as positive role models.
Communities Take Root Program
Started in 2010, the Dreyer’s/Edy’s Fruit Bars “Communities Take Root” program demonstrates Nestlé’s commitment to nutrition, health and wellness. In partnership with the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, 60 orchards were planted in deserving communities across the U.S., including more than 2,500 fruit trees, which yielded 88,000 pounds of fruit and generate 312,000 pounds of oxygen for our environment annually. The nationwide events also touched more than 2,300 volunteers and participants throughout the three years.
The campaign awarded orchards to communities in remote locations, such as Wrangell, Alaska; and New Hartford, Iowa; to large metropolitan areas like Chicago and San Francisco; always with the goal of making fresh fruit more available to those who need it. The program concluded with the planting of an orchard in Forestville, California in January 2013.
Community Care Campaign
Giving back to the community is deeply rooted in the Nestlé culture, and our employees continually demonstrate their generosity and support of community through gifts of time and financial contributions. This past year, in spite of challenging economic times, Nestlé employees gave more than $1.2 million to the causes that matter most to them.
The Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Foundation
Dreyer’s has a long standing belief that an organization can make a difference and by doing so, the organization can produce excellent results. In 1987, the company established the Dreyer's Foundation to give young people a better chance to achieve their potential. The mission of the Dreyer's Foundation is to promote family, school and community environments that build skills and foster talents in young people providing small grants, product donations, and supporting employee community involvement.
Information about Small Grants & Product Donations,
click here.
Feeding America
Nestlé USA plants and distribution centers work with local
Feeding America-affiliated food banks to supply products on an ongoing basis. As a leadership partner, we have donated 154 million pounds of food, gave $700,000 through cause marketing programs, and held food drives and volunteer events across the country.
Nestlé Very Best in Youth Program
Sponsored by Nestlé USA, the Nestlé Very Best in Youth program recognizes exceptional young people all across America who not only excel academically, but who are also working to make their community a better place.
Nestlé USA hosts a four-day award weekend to honor 25 Very Best in Youth from over 3,200 applicants nationwide. In addition to the awards ceremony, recipients are highlighted in the Nestlé Very Best In Youth book, authored by Ken Bentley, Nestlé Vice President of Community Affairs and Educational Programs. The book showcases the sincere, heart-felt contributions of some of America’s most talented and community-minded youth.
Nestlé Very Best Volunteer Program
Contributing to hundreds of national causes – from soup kitchens to women’s shelters – Nestlé makes a difference by engaging our employees to give back to their local communities. Last year, more than 1,200 employees took part in our Nestlé National Day of Volunteering, supporting their local charities and non-profit organizations.
Reading is Fundamental
Each year, hundreds of Nestlé employees give their Community Care dollars to support
Reading is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest literacy organization. Over 25,000 students in 20 states benefit annually from the partnership between Nestlé and RIF that brings new, free books and motivational literacy programs to children.